Chelsea face two phenomenally important games in the Champions League group stage in the weeks to come, but this international break’s injuries are falling in their favour – so far.
The Italian side had a number of problems already, but the worst of them arrived late last week as their superstar goalkeeper Mike Maignan limped off with a calf injury while playing for France against Austria.
He joins various other recent issues – Lucas Hernandez, Sandro Tonali, Divock Origi and Ante Rebic – who won’t play in the first game and in some cases the second either.
Then there’s long term absentee Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is more a cheerleader than a regular up top.
New Chelsea manager Graham Potter will need more than just luck to get through these two games, but it will certainly help as he looks to get his reign at his new club up and running with some important wins.
